Pronunciation: pen-SEYE-kloe-veer
Generic Name: Penciclovir
Brand Name: Denavir
Penciclovir is used for:
Treating recurring cold sores associated with the herpes simplex virus. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Penciclovir is an antiviral. It works by preventing the herpes simplex virus from growing.
Do NOT use Penciclovir if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in Penciclovir
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using Penciclovir:
Some medical conditions may interact with Penciclovir. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
- if you have a weakened immune system
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Penciclovir. Because little, if any, of Penciclovir is absorbed into the blood, the risk of it interacting with another medicine is low.
Ask your health care provider if Penciclovir may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use Penciclovir:
Use Penciclovir as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- Start treatment as soon as lesions or signs of cold sores (tingling, redness, itching, or a bump) appear.
- Before using Penciclovir, wash your hands, clean your face, and pat dry.
- Apply enough of Penciclovir to cover only the cold sore area of tingling (or other symptoms) before the cold sores appear. Rub the cream in until it disappears.
- Wash your hands with soap and water immediately after using Penciclovir.
- To clear up your infection completely, use Penciclovir for the full course of treatment. Keep using it even if your symptoms improve in a few days.
- If you miss a dose of Penciclovir, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Penciclovir.
Important safety information:
- Use Penciclovir only on cold sores on the lips or face. Avoid applying in or near the eyes as irritation may occur.
- Penciclovir is not a cure for cold sores and all patients may not respond to it, especially patients with weakened immune systems.
- Penciclovir should not be used in CHILDREN younger than 12 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
- PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Penciclovir while you are pregnant. It is not known if Penciclovir is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Penciclovir.
Possible side effects of Penciclovir:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Bad taste in mouth; burning, pain, flushing, or itching at the application site; headache.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue).
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.
See also: Penciclovir side effects (in more detail)
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Penciclovir may be harmful if swallowed.
Proper storage of Penciclovir:
Store Penciclovir at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, light, and moisture. Keep Penciclovir out of the reach of children and away from pets.
General information:
- If you have any questions about Penciclovir, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- Penciclovir is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
- If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
- Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.
This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Penciclovir. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
More Penciclovir resources
- Penciclovir Side Effects (in more detail)
- Penciclovir Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Penciclovir Support Group
- 7 Reviews for Penciclovir - Add your own review/rating
Compare Penciclovir with other medications
- Cold Sores
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